Ex-Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has said he doesn't understand why the club has signed full-back Javier Manquillo from Atletico Madrid.

Manquillo was unveiled as a Liverpool player yesterday on a two-year loan deal with the Reds reportedly having an option to buy the 20-year-old from the Spanish champions at the end of his spell.

He became Liverpool's seventh signing of the summer and one of two full-backs that manager Brendan Rodgers wanted to sign during this window.

Nicol told TalkSport: "It is a strange one. The guy hasn't played. He didn't play in the Atleti B team either, so this guy doesn’t have a lot of minutes behind him.

"I'm really not sure where the connection comes from and I'm certainly not sure scouts have seen him play because the guy hasn't played. I'm a little sceptical. Hopefully, it turns out, but it's a little strange."

Liverpool seem to be trying to sign younger players in order to develop them at Anfield, and Manquillo seems to fit that bill. The fact it's a two-year loan deal with an option to buy in the future suggests the club see him at the club in the longer term.

He has made a total of 16 appearances for Atleti but found his first team opportunities limited. He is likely to face still competition for places at Anfield with Glen Johnson, Jon Flanagan and Martin Kelly all likely to by competing with the Spaniard for that starting place in the side.

Nicol added that he doesn't understand why Liverpool have gone in for a loan signing.

He said: "As a player, being loaned out is a bit of a slight on you. I don't see players having loyalty to the teams they are with because they are owned by another side.

"What if this guy sits on the bench for Liverpool? How happy is he going to be? Not only is he on loan, but he is not playing.

Brendan Rodgers has spoken of wanting more numbers in the full-back positions. There may be a couple of departures but the player is likely to get his opportunities when injuries strike or the squad needs freshening up.

What do you make of Nicol's comments?

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.